 Section 24 of the Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2. This is a LibriVolks recording. All LibriVolks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVolks.org. The Dream of the Red Chamber, Book 2 by Zhao Xunqing, translated by Henry Bencraft Jolie, Chapter 37, Part 1. In the study of optimal cheerfulness is accidentally formed the Sidonia-Japanica Society. In the Hengwu Court, the sentiment is on a certain night proposed as a subject for verses. But to continue, after Xu Xiangyuan's return home, Baoyu and the other inmates spend their time as of old in rambling about in the garden in search of pleasure and in humming poetical compositions. But without further reference to their doings, let us take up our narrative with Jia Zheng. Ever since the visit paid to our home by the Imperial Concert, he fulfilled his official duties with additional zeal for the purpose of reverently making requital for the grace shown him by the Emperor. His correct bearing and his spotless reputation did not escape His Majesty's notice, and he conferred upon him the special appointment of literary chancellor with the sole object of singling out his true merit. For though he had not commenced his career through the arena of public examinations, he belonged nevertheless to a family addicted to letters during successive generations. Jia Zheng had therefore on the receipt of the Imperial Decree to select the twentieth day of the eighth moon to set out on his journey. When the appointed day came, he worshipped at the shrines of his ancestors, took leave of them and of Daoja Lady Jia and started for his posts. It would be a neatest task however to recount with any full particulars how Baoyu and all the inmates saw him off, how Jia Zheng went to take up his official duties and what occurred abroad. Suffice it for us to notice that Baoyu, ever since Jia Zheng's departure, indulged his caprices, allowed his feelings to run riot and gathered wildly about. In fact, he wasted his time and added fruitless days and months to his age. On this special occasion, he experienced more than ever a sense of his lack of resources and came to look up his grandmother Jia and Madam Wang. With them, he wiled away some of his time after which he returned into the garden. As soon as he changed his costume, he perceived two more enter with a couple of sheets of fancy note paper in her hand which she delivered to him. It quite slipped from my mind, Baoyu remarked. I managed to have gone and seen my cousin Tershia. Is she better that you come? Miss is all right, two more answered. Jia Zheng even had any medicine today. It's only a slight chill. When Baoyu heard this reply, he unfolded the fancy note paper. On perusal, he found the contents to be Your cousin, Tan Chen, respectfully lays this on her cousin Sikun's study table. When the other night, the blue sky newly opened out to view. The moon shone as if it had been washed clean. Such admiration that this pure and rare panorama evoked in me that I could not reconcile myself to the idea of going to bed. The epsadra had already accomplished three turns and yet I roamed by the railing under the Triandra trees. But such poor treatment did I receive from wind and dew that I caught a chill which brought about an ailment as severe as that which prevented the man of old form picking up sticks. You took the trouble yesterday to come in person and cheer me up. Time after time also did you send your attendance around to make a passionate enquiries about me. You likewise presented me with fresh light cheese and relics of writings of Jian Jing. How deep is really your gracious love? As I leaned today on my table plunged in silence, I suddenly remembered that the asians of successive ages were placed in circumstances in which they had to struggle for reputation and to fight for gain. But that they nevertheless acquired spots with hills and dripping streams and inviting people to come from far and near they did all they could to detain them by throwing the linchpins of their chariots into wells or by holding on to their shafts and that they invariably joined friendship with two or three of the same mind as themselves with whom they strode about in these grounds either erecting altars for song or establishing societies for scanning poetical works. Their meetings were, it is true, prompted on the spur of the moment by a sudden fit of good cheer. But these have again and again proved during many years a pleasant topic of conversation. I, your cousin, may, I admit, be devoid of talent yet I have been fortunate enough to enjoy your company amidst streams and rockeries and to furthermore admire the elegant verses composed by Xue Baochai and Lin Da Yu. When we were in the Breezy Hall and the Moonlit Pavilion what a pity we never talked about poets. But near the Elmen Tree with a sign and a peach tree by the stream we may perhaps, when under the films of wine be able to fling round the cups used for humming verses. Who is it who opines that societies with any claim to excellent abilities can only be formed by men? May it not be that the pleasant meetings on the dome shan may yield a merit to those such as ourselves of the weaker sex? Should you not think it too much to walk on the snow? I shall make both to ask you round and sweep the way clean of flowers and wait for you. Respectfully written. The perusal of this note filled Baoyu unwares with exaltation. Clapping his hands, my third cousin, he laughed, is the one eminently polished. I will go at once today and talk matters over with her. As he spoke, he started immediately followed by Choi Mo. As soon as they reached the Qingfang Pavilion they aspired the matron on duty that they edge the back door of the garden. Advancing towards them with a note in her hand. The moment she perceived Baoyu she forthwith came up to meet him. Mr. Yun, she said, presents his compliments to you. He is waiting for you at the back gate. This is a note he made me bring you. Upon opening the note, Baoyu found it to read as follows. An unfilial son, Yun, reverently inquires about his worthy father's boundless happiness and precious health. Remembering the honor conferred upon me Baoyu recognizing me in your heavenly bounty as your son. I tried both day as well as night to do something in evidence of my pious obedience. But no opportunity could I find to perform anything filial. When I had some time back to purchase flowers and plants, I succeeded thanks to your vast influence when I was senior in finally making friends with several gardeners and in seeing a good number of gardens. As the other day, I unexpectedly came across a white begonia of a rare species. I exhausted every possible means to get some and managed to obtain just two pots. If you, worthy senior, regard your son as your own very son to keep them to feast your eyes upon. But with this hot weather today, the young ladies in the garden will, I fear, not be at their ease. I do not consequently presume to come and see you in person, so I present you this letter written with due respect while knocking my head before your table. Your son Yun, on his knees, lays this pistol at your feet. After reading this note while you laughed, has he come along? He asked. Or has he anyone else with him? He's got two flower pots as well, rejoined the matron. You go and tell him, while you urged, that I've informed myself of the contents of his notes and that there are few who think of me as he does. If you also take the flowers and put them in my room, it would be alright. So saying, he came with Cui Mo into the Qiuxiang study where he discovered Bao Chai, Da Yu, Ying Chun and Xitun already assembled. When they saw him drop in upon them, they all burst out laughing. Here comes still another, they exclaimed. I'm not a boor, smiled Tan Chen. So when the idea casually crossed my mind, I wrote a few notes to try and see who would come. Who would have thought that as soon as I asked you, you would all come. It's unfortunately late, while you smilingly observed, we should have started this society long ago. You can call this late, Da Yu interposed, so I give way to regret. The only thing is, you must form your society without including me in the number for I Daren't be one of you. Who can presume to do so? This is suggested Bao Yu, a legitimate and great purpose. And we should all exert our energies. You shouldn't be modest, and I you think, but every one of us, who thinks of anything, should freely express it for general discussion. So see near cousin Bao Chai to make some suggestion. And you junior cousin, what are you in this hurry for, Bao Chai exclaimed? We are not all here yet. This remark was barely concluded when Li Wen also arrived. As soon as she crossed the threshold, it's an excellent proposal. She lovingly cried, this off-starting of a Vatican society. I recommend myself as controller. Sometime ago in spring, I thought of this, I am unable to compose verses. So what's the use of making a mess of things? This is why I dispelled the idea from my mind, and made no mention about it. But since it's your good pleasure, cousin Tershia to start it, I will help you to set it on foot. As you have made up your minds, that you put in to initiate a political society, every one of us will be poets. As a first step, do away with those various appellations of cousin and uncle and aunt, and thus avoid everything that bears a semblance of vulgarity. First rate, exclaimed Li Wen, and why should we not fix upon some new destinations by which to address ourselves? This will be a far more refined way. As for my own, I've selected that of the old farmer of Daoxiang, so that none of you encroach on it. I'll then call myself the resident scholar of the Qiuxiang, and have done Tang Chun observed with a smile. Resident scholar or master is in fact not to the point. It's clumsy, besides. But in the post, the place here is full of Triangular and Banana trees, and if one could possibly hit upon some name bearing upon the Triangular and Banana, it would be preferable. I've got one, shouted Tang Chun smilingly. I'll start myself the guest under the Banana trees. How uncommon they unanimously cried. It's a nice one. But better, laugh Da Yu. Be quick and drag her away and stew some slices of her flesh for people to eat with the wine. No one grasped her meaning. Jones Da Yu proceeded to explain, smiling, says the Banana leaves sheltered the deer. And as she starved herself to guest under the Banana tree, is she not a deer? So be quick and make pieces of dried venison of her. As these words, the whole company laughed. Don't be in a hurry, Tang Chun remarked as she laughed. We make use of spacious language to abuse people. We have thought of a fine and most episode name for you. We're upon addressing herself to the party. In days gone by, she added, an imperial concubine, Nui Ying, sprinkled her tears on the bamboo and they became spots. So from olden times to the present, spot of bamboos have been known as the Shang Imperial Concubine Bamboo. Now, she lives in the Shang Shang lodge and has a weakness to for tears. So the bamboos over there will buy and buy, I presume, likewise become transformed into speckled bamboos. Everyone therefore must hands forward call her the Shang Imperial Concubine and finish with it. After listening to her, they one and all clapped their hands and cried out, capital Lin Da Yu, however, drooped her head and did not so much as utter a single word. I've also, Li Wen smiled, devised a suitable name for senior cousin, Che Bao Cai. It too is one of three characters. Was it? Eagly inquired the party. I raised her to the rank of Princess of Heng Wu, Li Wen rejoined. I wonder what she will think about this. This title of honor, Tang Chun observed, is most opposite. What about mine? Bao Yu asked, you should try and think of one for me also. Your star has long ago been decided at a point, Bao Cai smiled. It consists of three words. First thing for nothing, it's most pet. You should, after all, retain the whole name of master of the flowers in the purple cave. Li Wen suggested, that will do very well. Those were some of the doings of my youth. Why rig them up again? Have you laughed? Your styles are very many, Tang Chun observed. And what do you want to choose another for? All you've got to do is to make suitable reply, when we call you whatever takes our fancy. I must, however, give you a name, Bao Cai remarked. That's a very vulgar name, but it's just the very thing for you. What is difficult to obtain in the world are riches and honors. What is not easy to combine with them is leisure. These two blessings cannot be enjoined together. But as it happens, you hold one along with the other, so that we might as well dub you the rich and honorable idler. It won't do. It isn't suitable. But we laughed. It's better that you should call me at random, whatever you like. What names are to be chosen for Miss Secunder and Miss Quarter? Li Wen inquired. We also don't excel in versifying. What's the use, consequently, of giving us names? Well, Yin Chun said. In spite of this, argued Tan Chun. It would be well to likewise find something for you. She lives in the Zilinzhou that is Purple Keltrup Isle. So let us call her Linzhou, Bao Cai suggested. As for that girl, Quarter, she lives in the Ouxiang Shi that is Lotus Fragrance Pavilion. She should thus be called Ouxiang and have done. This will do very well, Li Wen cried. But as far as age goes, I am the senior and you should all defer to my wishes. But I feel certain that when I've told you what they are, you will unanimously agree to them. We are seven here to form the society, but neither I nor Miss Secunder nor Miss Quarter can write verses. So if you will exclude us three, we will each share some special duties. The names have already been chosen, Tan Chun smilingly demerred and do you still keep on addressing them like this? Well, in that case, won't it be as well for them to have no names? But we must also decide upon some scale of fines for future guidance and any mistakes. There will be ample time to fix upon a scale of fines after the society has been definitely established, Li Wen replied. There is plenty of room over in my place, so let's hold our meetings there. I'm not, it is true, a good hand at verses, but if you poets won't treat me distinctly as a rustic boar and if you will allow me to play the hostess, I may certainly also gradually become more and more refined. As for conceding to me the presidency of the society, it won't be enough, of course, from be alone to preside, it will be necessary to invite two others to serve as vice presidents. You might then enlist Lin Zhou and Ou Xiang, both of whom are cultured persons, but if you want to choose the themes and assign the meter, they are to act as copyist and supervisor. We three cannot, however, definitely say that we won't write verses, for if we come across any comparatively easy subject and meter, we too will indict a stanza if we feel so disposed. But you four will positively have to do so. Well, we can proceed with the society, but if you don't fall in with my wishes, I can't presume to join you. Ying Chun and Xi Chun had a natural aversion for verses. What is more, Sha Baotai and Lin Da Yu were present. As soon therefore as they heard these proposals, which harmonized so thoroughly with their own views, they both with one voice were as excellent. Tan Chen and the others were likewise well aware of their objects, but they could not when they saw with what willingness they accepted the charge insist with any propriety upon their writing verses, and they fell obliged to say yes. Your proposals, she consequently said, maybe write enough, but in my views, for here I've had the trouble of initiating this idea of a society, and instead of my having anything to say in the matter, I've been the means of making you three come and exercise control over me. Well then, while you suggested, let's go to the Tao Xiang village. You're always in a hurry. You weren't remarked. We are here today to simply deliberate, so wait until I've sent for you again. It would be well, Bao Cha interposed, that we should also decide every how many days we are to meet. If we meet too often, argued Tan Chen, there won't be fun in it. We should simply come together two or three times in a month. It will be ample if we meet twice or thrice a month, Bao Cha added, but when the days have been settled, no wind nor rain should prevent us. Exclusive, however, of these two days, anyone in high spirits and disposed to have an extra meeting can either ask us to go over to her place, or you can all come to us, either will do well enough. But won't it be more pleasant if no hard and fast days be laid down? This suggestion is excellent, they call exclaimed. This idea was primarily originated by me, Tan Chen observed, and I should be the first to play the hostess, so that these good spirits of mine shouldn't all go for nothing. Well, after this remark, he went proceeded, what do you say to your being the first to convene a meeting tomorrow? Tomorrow, Tan Chen demurred, it's not as good as today. The best thing is to have it at once. We better therefore choose the subjects, while Lin Jiu can fix the meter, and Ou Xiang act as a supervisor. According to my ideas, Ying Chun chimed in, we shouldn't yield to the wishes of any single person in the choice of themes and the settlement of the rhythm. What would really be fair and right would be to draw lots. When I came just now, Li Wen pursued, I noticed them bring in two parts of white begonias, which were simply beautiful, and why should you not write some verses on them? Can we write verses? Ying Chun retorted, before we have as yet seen anything of the flowers. They are purely and simply white begonias, Bao Chai answered, and is there again any need to see them before you put together your verses? They merely indicted vertical compositions to express their good cheer and conceal their sentiments. Had they waited to write on things they had seen, why the whole number of their works would not be in existence at present? In that case, Ying Chun said, let me fix the meter. With these words, she walked up to the bookcase and extracting a volume. She opened it at random at some verses which turned out to be a half-meter stanza. Then, handing it round for General Peruzo, everybody had to compose lines with seven words in each. Ying Chun next closed the book of verses and addressed herself to a young waiting-mate. Just utter, she paid her, the first character that comes to your mouth. The waiting-mate was standing, next to the door. So readily, she suggested the word door. The rhyme then would be the word door. Ying Chun smiled under the 13th character, Yuan. The final word of the first line is therefore door. Saying this, she asked for the box with the rhyme's lips and pulling out the 13th drawer with the character Yuan. She directed a young waiting-mate six-four words as they came under her hand. The waiting-mate complied with her directions and picked out four slips on which were written Pen, Huan, and Huan, that is pot, spirit, traces, and dusk. The two characters pot and door, observed Bao Yu, are not very easy to rhyme with. But Ji Shu then got ready for lots of paper and pens, share and share alike, and one and all quietly set to work, racking their brains to perform their task with the exception of Da Yu, who either kept on rubbing the dry and rough flowers or looking at the optimal weather or bending jokes as well with the servant girls. While Ying Chun ordered a waiting-mate to light a dream-sweet incense stick, this dream-sweet stick was, it must be explained, made only about 3 inches long and about the thickness of a lamp wick, in order to easily burn down, setting therefore the choice upon one of these as a limit of time. Anyone who failed to accomplish their loaded task at a time the stick was consumed had to pay a penalty. Presently, Tan Chun was the first to think of some verses, and taking up her pen, she wrote them down, and after submitting them to several alterations, she handed them up to Ying Chun. Princess of Heng Wu she then inquired of Bao Chai Have you finished? As for finishing, I have finished Bao Chai rejoined, but they are worth nothing. Bao Yu paced up and down the veranda with his hands behind his back. Have you heard? He, thereupon, said to Da Yu, they have all done. Don't concern yourself about me, Da Yu returned for answer. Bao Yu also perceived that Bao Chai had already copied hers out. Dreadful, he exclaimed, there only remains an inch of the stick and I've only just composed four lines. The incense stick is nearly burnt out, he continued speaking to Da Yu and what do you keep squirting on that damn ground like that for? But Da Yu did not again worry her mind about what he said. Well, Bao Yu added, I can't be looking after you, but there could have been a right mind out too and have done. As he spoke, he likewise drew up to the table again putting his lines down. We will not peruse the verses, leave one in the post and if by the time we have done, you haven't as yet hand up your papers, you'll have to be fined. Old farmer of Da Yu Bao Yu remarked, you are not it is true, a good hand at writing verses, but you can read well and what's more, you are the fairest of the lot, so you'll have to judge the good and the bad and will submit to your judgment. Of course responded the party with one voice. In due course, therefore she first read Tang Chun's draft, it ran as follows, verses on the begonia. What time the sun's rays slant and the grass west cold closed the double doors after a shower of rain green moss plantlessly covers the whole pot. Beauty is jade but yet with de-impurity it cannot ever vie. Dye frame spotless as snow from emeration easy rubs me of my wits. Dye fragrant core is like unto a dot, so full of grace, so delicate. When the moon reached the third watch Dye calmly shade begins to show itself. Do not tell me that a chaste fairy like thee can take wings and pass away. How lovely are thine charms, when in thine company at dusk, I sing my lay. After she had read them aloud, what and all sang their praise for a time, she then took up Baochai's, which consisted of If thou wouldst carefully tend those fragrant lovely flowers close over day the doors and with thine own hands take the can and sprinkle water over the mossy pots. Red as if with cosmetic washed are the shadows in optimum under steps. The crystal snowy bloom invites the duo on their spirits to heave itself. The extreme whiteless mostly shows that they are more calmly than all other flowers. When much they grieve, how can their jade life form lack the traces of tears? Wouldst thou the god of those white flowers repay? Thine purity needs thou observe. In silence plunges their fine bloom. Now that once more they eaves to dusk. After all, observed Liwen, it's the princess of Heng Wu who expresses herself to the point. Next, they bestowed their attention on the following lines composed by Bao Yu. Die form in optimum things reflects against the double doors. So heaps the snow in the seventh east that it filleth thy pots. Thy shade is spotless as thy gen, when from her bath she hails. Like seizes whose hand ever pressed her heart jade like thy soul. When the mourn ushering breath force not thy thousand blossoms grieve. To all thy tears the evening shower active another trace alone vows leans against the colored rails as it would sense imbued. As heavy-hearted as the fond wife, bidding clothes for her that sadly listens to the flute, thou masks'd the fall of dusk. When they have perused his verses, Bao Yu opined that tangents carried the palm. Liwen was however inclined to concede to the stanza indicted by Bao Chai, the credit of possessing much merit. But she then went on to tell Dai Yu to look sharp. Have you all done? Dai Yu asked, so saying she picked up a pen and completing her task. With a few dashes, she threw it to them to look over. On Peruso, Liwen and her companions found her verses to run in this strain. Half rode the speckled portier hanks, half closed the door. By mode like broken ice it looks, jade like iPods. This cobbled over, Bao Yu took the initiative and shouted capital. But he had just had time to inquire where she had recorded them to mine from when they turned to the succeeding lions. Three ponds of whiteness from the pair paddles Bao steals. And from the plume loom its spirit thou borrowest. Splendid everyone who heard them conned over felt impaled to cry. It is a positive fact they said that her imagination is compared with that of others quite unique. But the rest of the composition was next considered. Its test was the fairy in Salinas cavity doneth a plain attire. The maiden plunged in optimum grief dries in her room the prince of tears. Winsome she blushes in silence she's plunged in a word she breathes but really she leans against the eastern breeze no dusk has long since fallen. This stanza ranks above all. They unanimously remarked after it had been read for their benefit. As regard beauty of thought and originality this stanza certainly deserves credit when asserted. But as regard pregnancy and simplicity of language it after all yields to that of Heng Wu. This criticism is right Tan Jun put in that of the Xiao Xiang concert must take second place. Yours gentlemen of Yi Hong Li Wen pursued is the last of the lot. Do you agree submit to this verdict? My stanza Bao Yu ventured isn't really worth a straw. Your criticism is exceedingly fair but he smilingly added the two poems written by Heng Wu and Xiao Xiang have still to be discussed. Yu Shi argued Li Wen fall in with my judgment this is no business of any of you so whoever says anything more you have to pay a penalty. Bao Yu at this reply found that he had no alternative but to drop the subject. I decided that from hands forward Li Wen proceeded we should hold meetings twice every month on the second and sixteenth. In the selection of themes and the settlement of the rhymes you all have them to do as I wish but any person who may the intervals feel so disposed will be at perfect liberty to choose another day for an extra meeting or will I care if there is a meeting every day of the moon? It will be no concern of mine so long as when the second and sixteenth arrive you do as you are bound to and come over to my place you should as is but right Bao Yu suggested choose some name or other name of the party where an ordinary one told it wouldn't be nice Tantran explained and anything too new fangled eccentric or strange won't also be quite the thing as luck would have it we have just started with the poems on the begonia so let us call it the begonia poetical society this title is is true somewhat commonplace but as it's positively based on fact it shouldn't matter after this proposal of hers they had further consultation and partaking of some slight refreshments each of them eventually retired some repaired to their quarters others went to adulterated jars or madam's apartments but we will leave them without further comment end of section 24 section 25 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org the dream of the red chamber book 2 by Chiao Xuqin translated by Henry Bancraft Jolie chapter 37 part 2 when Jiren for we will now come to her Baoyu perused the note and walked off in a great fury along with Chui Mo she was quite at the loss what to make of it subsequently she also saw the matrons on duty at the back gate bring two parts of begonias Jiren inquired of them where they came from the women explained to her all about them as soon as Jiren heard their reply she at once desired them to put the flowers in their proper places and ask them to sit down in the lower rooms she then entered the house and weighing six mace of silver she wrapped it up properly and fetching besides 300 cash she came over and handed both the amounts to the two matrons this silver she said is a present for the boys who carried the flowers and these cash are for you to buy yourselves a cup of tea with the women rose to their feet in such high glee that the eyebrows dilated and their eyes smiled but though they waxed eloquent in the expression of their deep gratitude they would not accept the money it was only after they had perceived how obstinate Jiren was in not taking it back that they at last volunteered to keep it are there Jiren then inquired any servant boys on duty outside the back gate there are four of them every day answered one of the matrons they are put there with the sole idea of attending to any orders that might be given them from inside but miss if you have anything to order them to do you will go and deliver your message what orders can I have to give them Jiren laughed Mr. Bao, our master sequester was purposing to send someone today to the young marketplace house to take something over to miss Xi but you come at an opportune moment so you might on your way out tell the servant boys at the back gate to hire a carriage and on this return you can come here and get the money but don't let them rush recklessly against people in the front part of the compound the matrons signified their obedience and took their leave Jiren retraced her steps into the house to fetch a tray in which to place the presents intended for Xu Xiangyun but she discovered the shelf for trays empty upon turning around however she caught sight of Qingwen, Qiuwen, Xie Yue and the other girls sitting together busy with their little work with the white chandelion tray with twisted threads gone too Jiren asked at this question one looked at the one and the other stared at the other but none of them could remember anything about it after a protracted lapse of time Qingwen smiled he was taken to Miss Tertius with a present of light cheese she rejoined as yet being returned there are plenty of articles Jiren remarked for sending over things on ordinary occasions and do you deliberately go and carry this off? didn't I maintain the same thing Qingwen retorted but so well did this tray match with the fresh light cheese it contained that when I took it over Miss Tantian herself noticed the fact how splendid she said and low putting even the tray by she never had it brought over but look hasn't the pair of bitter vases which stood on the very top of that shelf being fetched as yet the mention of these vases Qiuwen laughed reminds me again of a funny incident whenever our Miss Baoyu's fiddle piety is aroused he shows himself fiddle over and above the highest degree the other day he aspired the olia flowers in the park and he plucked two twigs his original idea was to place them in a vase for himself but a sudden thought struck him these are flowers he used which have newly opened in our garden so how can I presume to be the first to enjoin them and actually taking down the pair of vases he filled them with water with his own hands put the flowers in and calling a servant to carry them he in person took one of the vases into Daoja Lady's jars and then took the other to Madam Wang's but as it happens even his attendants reap some benefits when once his fiddle feelings are stirred up as luck would have it the one who carried the vases over himself the sight of these flowers so enchanted our venerable lady that there was nothing that she wouldn't do Bao Yu she said to everyone she met is the one after all who shows me much attention so much so that he has even thought of bringing me a twig of flowers and yet there are this bmr grouch on account of the love that I lavish on him our venerable mistress you all know very well has never had much to say to me I have all along not been much of a favorite in the old lady's eyes but on that occasion she really directed someone to give me several hundreds of cash I was to be pitted she observed for being born with a weak physique this was indeed an unforeseen piece of good luck the several hundreds of cash are a mere trifle but what's not easy to get is this sort of honor after that we went over into Madam Wang's Madam Wang was at the time with our lady sikunda Mrs. Zhao and a whole lot of people telling the bosses Tepsi Tervi trying to find some colored clothes her leadership had worn not ago in her youth so as to give them to someone or other who he was I don't know but the moment she saw us she did not even think of searching for any clothes but got lost in admiration for the flowers our lady sikunda was also standing by and she made spots of the matter she extolled our master Bao for his video piety and for his knowledge of right and wrong and what with what was true and what wasn't she came out with two cup loaves of compliments these things spoken in the presence of the whole company so added to Madam Wang's luster and sealed everyone's mouth that her leadership was more and more filled with gratification and she gave me two readymade clothes as a present these two are of no consequence one way or another we get some every year but nothing can come up to this sort of lucky chance Pei, Qingwen ejaculated with a significant smile you are indeed a mean thing who has seen nothing of the world she gave the good ones to others and the reviews to you and do you still pat on all this side no matter whether what she gave me was reviews or not children protested it's after all an act of bounty on the part of her leadership had it been myself Qingwen pursued I would at once have refused them it wouldn't have mattered if she had given me what had been left by someone else but we all stand on an equal footing in these rooms and is there anyone pursued so much more exalted or honorable than the other by her taking what is good and bestowing it upon her and giving me what is left I had rather not take them I might have had to give offense to Madam Wang but I wouldn't have put up with such a slight to whom did she give any in this room children vehemently inquired I was unwell and went home for several days so that I am not aware where given dear sister to tell me who it is so that I may know where I to tell you Qingwen rejoined is it likely that you would return them at this hour to Madam Wang what nonsense children laughed ever since I've heard about it I've been delighted and happy no matter if she even bestowed upon me what remains from anything given to a dog in these rooms I would have been thankful for her leadership's kindness I wouldn't have worried my mind with anything else after listening to her everybody laughed doesn't she know how to cheer in fine style they ejaculated unanimously for rarent they given to that foreign spotted dog you lot of filthy toned creatures children laughed when you've got nothing to do you make me the scapegoat to crack your jokes and put your fun end but what kind of death will I wonder each of you have was it early you sister who got them children asked with a smile and I assure you I had no idea about it I tender you my apologies there might be a little less domineering during remarked smilingly the thing now is who of you will go and fetch the tray the vases too sure you have suggested must be got back when there's any time to spare but there is nothing to say about our venerable mistress quarters but Redon Wong's apartments team with people and many hands the rest are alright but Mrs. Zhao and all that company will when they see that the vast house from these rooms surely again foster evil designs and they won't feel happy until they've done all they can to spoil it besides, Madam Wong doesn't trouble herself about such things so have we not as well bring it over a moment sooner hearing this Qingwen threw down her need to work all you say is perfectly right she assented so you'd better let me go and fetch it oh, after all, go for it Qingwen cried you can go and get that tray of yours you should let me once go for something Qingwen pleaded whenever any lucky chance has turned up you've invariably grabbed it and can it be that you won't let me have a single turn all together share your said lovingly that girl, Qingwen got a few clothes just once can such a lucky coincidence present itself again today that you too should find them engaged in searching for clothes or bet I'm in come across any clothes Qingwen rejoined with a satonic smile our Madam Wong may notice how diligent I am and apportion me a cup of tails out of her public expenses there's no say continuing don't you people she loved try and play your pranks with me for is there anything that I don't tweak as she spoke she ran outside Chunwen too left the room in her company but she repaired to Tan Chun's quarters and fetched the tray Chunwen then got everything ready calling an old nurse attached to the same place as herself so by name just go first and wash comb your hair and put on your outdoor clothes she said to her and then come back as I want to send you at once with a present to Miss She Miss first the nurse so just give me what you have and if you have any message tell me so that when I've tied it myself I may go straight way Sharon at this proposal brought two small twisted wire boxes and opening first the one in which were two kinds of fresh fruits consisting of caldrups and chicken head fruit and afterwards uncovering the other containing a tray with new cakes made of chestnut powder and steamed in sugar scented with the oil all these fresh fruits newly plucked this ear from our own garden she observed our Mr. Secondus sends them to Miss She to taste the other day too she was quite taken with this convenient tray so let her keep it for her use in this silk bag she'll find the work which she asked me some time ago to do for her tell her that she mustn't despise it for its coarseness the best of it and turn it to some account present respects to her from our part and inquire after her health on behalf of Mr. Bao Yu that would be all there is to say as Mr. Bao I wonder anything more for me to tell her the nurse some edit Miss do go and inquire so that on my return he may end again say that I forgot he was just now during consequently asked children over there in mischievous rooms wasn't he they were all assembled there deliberating about starting some political society or other children explained and they all wrote verses too but I fancy he's got no message to give you so you might as well start after this assurance nurse some thought with and quit the apartment when she had changed her clothes and arranged her hair to run further and joined them to go by the back door where there was a servant boy waiting with a clerical nurse soon there upon set out on an errand but we will leave her for the present in a little time Bao Yu came back after first crucially glancing at the begonias for a time into his rooms and explained to Jiren all about the political society they had managed to establish Jiren then told him that she had sent the nurse soon along with some things to Xi Xiangyun as soon as Bao Yu heard this he clapped his hands I forgot all about her he cried and knew very well that I had something to attend too but I couldn't remember what it was and the day you alluded to her I was just meaning to ask her to come for what fun would there be in this political society without her is this of any serious import Jiren reasoned with him is all for the mere sake of recreation she's not however able to go about at her own free will as you people do nor can she at home have her own way when you therefore let her know it won't against rest with her however willing she may be to avail herself of your invitation and if she can't come she will long and crave to be with you all so isn't it better that you shouldn't be the means of making her unhappy nevermind respond about you I'll tell our venerable senior to dispatch someone to bring her over but in the middle of their conversation nurse Song returned already from her mission and expressed to him Changyun's acknowledgement and to Jiren her thanks for the trouble she also inquired the nurse proceeded what you master secundus were up to and I told her that you had started some political club or other with the young ladies and that you were engaged in writing verses miss she wondered why it was if you were writing verses that you didn't even mention anything to her and she was extremely distressed about it Baoyu at these words turned himself around and betook himself immediately into his grandmother's apartment where he did all that lay in his power to urge her to depute servants to go and fetch her it's too late today the elderly jia answered he'll go tomorrow as soon as it's daylight Baoyu had no other cause but to a seat to her wishes he however retraced his steps back to his room with a heavy heart on a moral at early dawn he paid another visit to old lady jia and brought pressure to bear on her until she sent someone for her soon after midday Xi Xiangyun arrived Baoyu felt at length much relieved in his mind upon meeting her he recounted to her all that had taken place from beginning to end his purpose was likewise to let her see the political composition but Li Wen and the others remonstrated don't they said first tell her the rhymes and number of feats and as she comes late she should as a first step pay a penalty by conforming to the task we had to do should what she writes be good then she can readily be admitted as a member of the society but if not good she should be further punished by being made to stand a treat after which we can decide what's to be done you're forgotten to ask me around Xiangyun laughed and I should after all find new people but produce the meter although I don't excel in versifying I should exert myself to do the best I can so as to get rid of every slur if you will admit me into the club I should be even willing to sweep the floors and burn the incense when they all saw how full of fun she was they felt more than ever delighted with her and they reproached themselves for having somehow or other managed to forget her on the previous day but they lost no time in telling her the meter of the verses Xi Xiangyun was inwardly in ecstasies so much so that she could not waste to beach the tattoo and effect any alterations but having succeeded while conversing with her cousins in devising a stanza in her mind she promptly inscribed it on a first piece of paper that came to hand I have, she remarked with a precursory smile stuck to the meter and written two stanzas whether they be good or bad I cannot say or have kept in view was to simply comply with your wishes so speaking she handed her paper to the company we thought our four stanzas they observed had so thoroughly exhausted everything that could be imagined on a subject that another stanza was out of the question and there you've devised a couple more how could there be so much to say these must be mere repetitions of our own sentiments while bending words they perused her two stanzas they found this to be their burden number one the fairies yesterday came down within the city gates and like those gems sewn in the grassy field planted one pot how clear it is that the goddess of frost is fond of cold it is no question of a pretty girl bent upon death where does the snow which comes in gloomy weather issue from the drops of rain increase the prince left from the previous night how the flowers rejoice that buds are not really of song but are they ever left to span in peace a day or night number two the hounds they covered steps lead to the creeper-laden door how fit the plant but a corner of walls how fit for pots the flowers so relish purity that they can't find a mate easy noptum snaps the soul of sorrow-wasted men the tears which from the jade-like candle drip dry in the wind the crystal-light potier asunder rends salinus rays their private feelings to the moon goddess they longed to tell but gone, alas, is the luster she shed on the empty court every line filled them with wonder and admiration what they read, they praised this, they exclaimed with one consent is not writing verses on the begonia for no purpose we must really start a begonia society tomorrow Xi Jinping proposed first find me by making me stand a treat and letting me be the first to convene a meeting may I? this would be far better they all assented so producing all the verses composed the previous day they submitted them to her for criticism in the evening Chiang Yun came at the invitation of Bao Chai to the Heng Wu Yun to put up with her for the night by lamb light, Chiang Yun consulted with her how she was to play the hostess of the themes but after lending a patient ear to all her proposals for a long time Bao Chai thought them so unsuitable for the occasion that turning towards her she raised objections if you want, she said to hold a meeting you have to pay the piper and a bet it's for mere fun you have to make every possible provision for while consulting your own interests against giving unbridge to people in that case everyone will afterwards be happy and contented you can't for nothing too in your own home and the whole lump sum of those few doubts you draw each month are not sufficient for your own wants and do you now also wish to burden yourself with this useless sort of thing? why? if your aunt gets wind of it won't she be more incensed with you than ever? what's more even though you might fork out all the money you can call your own to bear the outlay of this entertainment with it won't be anything like enough and can it possibly be pray that you would go home for the express purpose of requisitioning the necessary funds or will you perchance ask for some from in here this long tirade had the effect of bringing the true facts of the case to Shangyuan's notice and she began to waver in a state of uncertainty I have already fixed upon a plan in my mind Baochai resumed there is an assistant in our pawn shop from whose family farm come some splendid crabs sometime back he sent us a few as a present and now starting from our venerable senior and including the image of the upper quarters most of them are quite in love with crabs it was only the other day that my mother mentioned that she intended inviting our worthy ancestor into the garden to look at the olia flowers and partake of crabs but she has had her hands so full that she hasn't as yet asked her round so just you now drop the poetical beating invites the whole crowd to a show and if we wait until they go won't we be able to indict as many poems as we like but let me speak to my brother and ask him to let us have several baskets of the fattest and largest crabs you can get and to also go to some shop and fetch several jars of luscious wine and if we then lay our four or five tables with plates full of refreshments we save trouble and all have a joyous time as well as soon as Xiang Yun heard the alternative proposed by Bao Chai she felt her heart throb with gratitude and in most profuse terms she praised her for her four thoughts the proposal I've made Bao Chai pursued smilingly is prompted entirely by my sincere feelings for you so whatever you do don't be touchy and imagine that I look down upon you for in that case we too will have been good friends or in vain but if you won't give way to suspicion I'll be able to tell them at once to go and get things ready my dear cousin Yigali rejoined Xiang Yun a smile on her lips if you say these things it's you who treat me with suspicion for no matter how foolish a person I may be as not to even know as good and bad I'm still a human being did I not regard you cousin in the same light as my own very sister I wouldn't last time have had any wish or inclination to disclose to you every bit of those troubles which ordinarily fall to my share at home after listening through these assurances Bao Chai summoned a matron and bait her go out and tell her master to happen to procure a few hampers of crabs of the same kind as those which were sent on the previous occasion our venerable senior she said and aunt Wang are asked to come tomorrow after their meal and admire the olia flowers so mind impress upon your master to please not forget as I've already today issued the invitations the matron walked out of the garden and distinctly delivered the message but on her return she brought no reply during this while Bao Chai continued her conversation with Xiang Yun the themes for the verses she advised her mustn't also be too out of the way just search the works of old writers and where will you find any eccentric and peculiar subjects or any extra difficult meter if the subject be too much out of the way and meter too difficult one cannot get good verses in a word, we are a mean lot and our verses are certain I fear to consist of mere repetitions nor is it advisable for us to aim as excessive originality the first thing for us to do is to have our ideas clear as our language will then not be commonplace in fact this sort of thing is no vital matter spinning and needlework are in a word the legitimate duties of you and me yet if we can at any time afford the leisure, it's only right and proper that we should take some book that will benefit both body and mind and read a few chapters out of it Xiang Yun simply certified her ascent I'm now quotitating in my mind she then lovingly remarked as the verses we wrote yesterday treated of begonias we should I think compose on this occasion some on chrysanthemums what do you say chrysanthemums are in season but I'll try to reply it the only objection to them is that too many writers of old have made them the subject of their poems I also think so Xiang Yun added so that I fear we shall only remain in their footsteps after some reflection Bao Jia exclaimed I'll fit upon something if we take for the present instance the chrysanthemums as a secondary term and men as the primary we can after all select several themes but they must all consist of two characters one an empty word the other a full one the full word might be chrysanthemums one we might employ some word in general use in this manner we shall on one hand sing the chrysanthemum and on the other compose verses on the theme and as old writers have not written much in this style it will be impossible for us to drift into the groove of their ideas thus in versifying on the scenery and in singing the objects we will in both respects have a personality with liberality of thought this is all very well smiled Xiang Yun the only thing is what kind of empty words will I wonder be best to use just you first think of one and let me see Bao Jia plunged in thought for a time after which she lovingly remarked dream of chrysanthemums is good is positively good I've also got one the chrysanthemum shadow would that do well enough Bao Jia answered the only objection is that people have written on it yet if the themes are to be many we might throw this in I've got another one too be quick and tell it Xiang Yun urged what do you say to ask the chrysanthemums Bao Jia observed Xiang Yun clapped her hand on the table capital she cried a thought of one also she then quickly continued it is search for chrysanthemums what's your idea about it Bao Jia thought that too would do very well let's choose 10 of them first to next proposed and afterwards note them down while talking they rubbed the ink and moistened the pens these preparations over Xiang Yun began to write while Bao Jia enumerated the themes in a short time they got 10 of them 10 don't form a set Xiang Yun went on to smileily suggest after reading them over would better complete them by raising their number to 12 they would then also be on the same footing as people's pictures and books hearing this proposal they revised another couple of themes thus bringing them to a dozen well, since we've got so far should pursue let's go one step further and copy them out in their proper order putting those that are first first and those that come last last it would be still better like that Xiang Yun acquires as we'll be able to make up a chrysanthemum book the first stanza should be longing for chrysanthemums Bao Jia said and as one cannot get them by wishing and has inconsequence to search for them the second should be searching for chrysanthemums after you search one finds them and plants them so the third must be planting chrysanthemums after they have been planted they blossom and one faces them and joins them facing the chrysanthemums by facing them one derives such excessive delight that one plots them and brings them in and puts them in vases for one's own delectation so the fifth must be placing chrysanthemums in vases if no verses are sung in their praise after they've been placed in vases is a tenement to seeing no point of beauty in chrysanthemums so the sixth must be seeing about chrysanthemums after making them the burden of one's song one can't help representing them in pictures the seventh place should therefore be conceded to drawing chrysanthemums seeing that in spite of all the labor bestowed on the drawing of chrysanthemums the fine trace there may be about them are not yet in fact apparent one impulsively tries to find them out by inquiries so the eighth should be asking the chrysanthemums as any perception which the chrysanthemums might display in fact the main depression set would have to make the inquirer moderately happy the ninth must be pinning the chrysanthemums in the hair and as after everything has been accomplished that comes within the sphere of man there will remain still some chrysanthemums about which something could be written two stances on the shadow of the chrysanthemums and a dream about chrysanthemums must be taken on as numbers 10 and 11 while the last section should be the withering of the chrysanthemums so as to bring to a close the sentiments expressed in the foregoing subjects in this wise the fine scenery and fine doings of the third part of autumn will both alike be included chrysanthemums chrysanthemums signified her approval and taking the least she copied it out clean but after once more passing her eye over it she went on to inquire what rhymes should be determined upon I do not as a rule like hard and fast rhymes about chrysanthemums it's evident enough that we can have good verses without them so what's the use of any rhymes to shackle us don't let us imitate that mean lot of people let simply choose our subjects and pay no notice to rhymes our main object is to see whether we cannot by chance hit upon some well written lines for the sake of fun it isn't to make this the means of subjecting people to perplexities what you say is perfectly right chrysanthemums observed our poetical composition will improve one step higher but we only must step 5 members and there are here 12 themes is it likely that each one of us will have to indict verses on all 12 that will be far too hard on the members but let's copy out the themes clean for lines with 7 words will have to be written on every one and stick them tomorrow on the wall for general brussell each member can write on the subject which may be most in his or her line those with any ability may choose all 12 while those with none may only limit themselves to one stanza both will do those however who will show high mental capacity combined with quickness will be held the best but anyone who shall have repeated all 12 themes won't be permitted to hasten and begin over again will have to find such one and finish yes that will do ascented Chang Yun but after settling everything satisfactory they extinguished the lamp and went to bed reader do you want to know what subsequently took place if you do then listen to what is contained in the way of explanation in the following chapter end of section 25 section 26 of the dream of the red chamber book 2 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Tina Ding the dream of the red chamber 2 by Cao Xueqin translated by Henry Bencraft-Jewley chapter 38 part 1 Lin Xiaoxiang carries the first price in the poems on chrysanthemums Xueheng Wu chaffs Baoyu by composing verses in the same style as his on the craps after Baochai and Xiangyuan we will now explain settled everything in their deliberations nothing memorable occurred the whole night which deserves to be put on record the next day Xiangyuan invited Dowager Lady Jia and her other relatives to come and look at the old lia flowers old lady Jia and everyone else answered that as she had had the kind attention to ask them they felt that their duty to avail themselves of her gracious invitation much though they would be causing her to trouble and inconvenience at 12 o'clock therefore old lady Jia actually took with her Madame Wang and Lady Feng as well as Mrs Xue and other members of her family whom she had asked to join them and repaired into the garden which is the best spot old lady Jia inquired we are ready to go wherever you may like dear senior lady Feng ventured in response a collation has already been spread in the lotus fragrance arbor Lady Feng interposed besides the two old lia plants on that hill yonder are now lovely in their full blossom and the water of that stream is jade-like and pollucid so if we sit in the pavilion in the middle of it won't we enjoy an open and bright view it will be refreshing too to our eyes to watch the pool quite right assented dowager lady Jia at this suggestion and while expressing her approbation she ushered her train of followers into the arbor of lotus fragrance this arbor of lotus fragrance had in fact been erected in the center of the pool it had windows on all four sides on the left and on the right stood covered passages which spanned the stream and connected with the hills at the back figured a winding bridge as the party ascended the bamboo bridge Lady Feng promptly advanced and supported dowager lady Jia venerable ancestor she said just walk boldly and with confidence step there's nothing to fear it's the way of these bamboo to go on creaking like this presently they entered the arbor here they saw two additional bamboo tables placed beyond the balustrade on the one were arranged chopsticks and every article necessary for drinking wine on the other were laid bamboo utensils for tea a tea service and various cups and saucers on the offsite two or three waiting-mates were engaged in fending the stove to boil the water for tea on the near side were visible several other girls who were trying with their fans to get a fire to light in the stove so as to warm the wines it was a capital idea dowager lady Jia hastily exclaimed laughingly with vehemence to bring tea here what's more the spot and the appurtenances are alike so speak and span these things were brought by cousin Baochai Xiangyun smilingly explained so I got them ready this child is I say so scrupulously particular oh lady Jia observed that everything she does is thoroughly devised as she gave utterance to her feelings her attention was attracted by a pair of scrolls of black lacquer inlaid with mother or pearl suspended on the pillars and she asked Xiangyun to tell her what the models were the text she read was snapped is the shade of the hibiscus by the fragrant oar of a boat homeward bound deep flows the perfume of the lily and the lotus underneath the bamboo bridge after listening to the model old lady Jia raised her head and cast a glance upon the tablet then turning round long ago when I was young she observed addressing herself to Mrs. Xue we likewise had at home a pavilion like this called the hall reclining on the rustic clouds for some other such name at that time I was engaged as the girls and my want was to go day after day and play with my sisters there one day I unexpectedly slipped and fell into the water and I had a narrow escape from being drowned for it was after great difficulty that they managed to drag me out safe and sound by my head was after all bumped about against the wooden nails so much so that this hole of the length of a finger which you can see up to this day on my temple comes from the bruises I sustained all my people were in a funk that I'd be the worst for the stucking and continued in fear and trembling last I should catch a chill it was dreadful dreadful the old pine but I managed let alone everyone thought it to keep and splendid health Lady Feng allowed no time anyone else to put in a word but anticipating them had you then not survived who would now be enjoying these immense blessings she smiled this makes it evident that no small amount of happiness in long life were in store for you venerable ancestor from your very youth up it was by the agency of the spirits that this hole was knocked open so that they might fill it up with happiness and longevity the old man show sing had in fact a hole in his head which was so full of every kind of blessing conducive to happiness and long life that it bulged up ever so high before however she could conclude Dowager Lady Jia and the rest were convulsed with such laughter that their bodies doubled in two this monkey is given to dreadful tricks left old Lady Jia she's always ready to make a scapegoat of me to evoke amusement but with that I could take that glib mouth of yours and rent it in pieces it's because I fear that the cold might when you by and by have some crabs to eat accumulate in your intestines Lady Feng pleaded that I try to induce you dear senior to have a laugh so as to make you gay and marry but one can when in high spirits indulge in a couple of them more with impunity by and by smiled old Lady Jia I'll make you follow me day and night so that I may constantly be amused and feel my mind diverted I won't let you go back to your home it's that weakness of yours for her venerable senior Madam Wang observed with a smile that has got her into the way of behaving in this manner and if you go on speaking to her as you do she'll soon become ever so much the more unreasonable I like her such as she is Dowager Lady Jia laughed besides she's truly no child ignorant of the distinction between high and low when we are at home with no strangers present we ladies should be on terms like these and as long in fact as we don't overstep propriety it's alright if not what would be the earthly use of making them behave like so many saints while bandying words they enter the pavilion in a body after tea Lady Feng hastened to lay out the cups and chopsticks at the upper table then seated herself old Lady Jia Mrs Xue Bao Chai, Dai Yu and Bao Yu round the table on the east sat Shi Xiangyun Madam Wang Ying Chun, Tan Chun and Xi Chun at the small table leaning against the door on the west side the one and Lady Feng assigned themselves places but it was for the mere sake of appearances as neither of them ventured to sit down but remained at the two tables occupied by old Lady Jia and Madam Wang you'd better Lady Feng said not bring in too many crabs at a time throw these again into the steaming basket only serve 10 and when they're eaten a fresh supply can be fetched asking at the same time for water she washed her hands and taking her position near Dowager Lady Jia she scooped out the meat from a crab and offered the first help to Mrs Xue they'll be sweeter were I to open them with my own hands Mrs Xue remarked there's no need for anyone to serve me Lady Feng therefore presented it to old Lady Jia and handed a second portion to Bao Yu make the wine as warm as possible and bring it in she then went on to cry go she added directing the serving girls and fetched the powder made of green beans and scented with the leaves of chrysanthemums and the statements of the earliest fragrance and keep it ready to rinse our hands with Shi Xiangyun had a crap to bear the others company but no sooner had she done then she retired to a lower seat from where she helped her guests when she however walked out a second time to give orders to fill two dishes and sent them over to Mrs Zhao she perceived Lady Feng come up to her again you're not accustomed to entertaining she said so go and have your share to eat I'll attend to the people for you first and when they're gone I'll have all I want Xiangyun would not agree to her proposal but giving further directions to the servants to spread two tables under the veranda on the offside she pressed Yuan Yang Hu Po Cai Xia, Cai Yun and Ping Er to go and see themselves Lady Secunda consequently ventured Yuan Yang you're in here doing the honors so may I go and have something to eat you can all go replied Lady Feng leave everything in my charge and it will be alright while these words were being spoken Shi Xiangyun resumed her plays at the banquet Lady Feng and Li Wan then took hurry scurry something to eat as a matter of form but Lady Feng came down once more to look after things after a time she stepped out on the veranda where Yuan Yang and the other girls were having their refreshments in high glee as soon as they caught sight of her Yuan Yang and her companions stood up what has your ladyship come out again for they inquired I must also enjoy a little peace and quiet this chit Yuan Yang is worse than ever Lady Feng laughed here I am slaving away for you and instead of feeling grateful to me you bear me a grudge but don't you yet quick pour me a cup of wine Yuan Yang immediately smiled and filling up a cup she applied it to Lady Feng's lips Lady Feng stretched out her neck and emptied it but Hu Po and Cai Xia replenished the cup and put it to Lady Feng's mouth Lady Feng swallowed the contents of that as well Ping Er had by this time brought her some yellow meat which she had picked out from the shell poor plenty of ginger and vinegar shouted Lady Feng and in a moment she made sure work of that too you people she smiled had better sit down and have something to eat for I am off now you brazen faced thing exclaimed Yuan Yang laughingly to eat what was intended for us don't be so captures with me smiled Lady Feng are you aware that your master's conduct Mr. Lian has taken such a violent fancy to you that he means to speak to our old lady to let you be his secondary wife Yuan Yang blushed crimson Tui she shouted are these really words to issue from the mouth of a lady but if I don't top your face all over with my filthy hands I won't feel happy saying this she rushed up to her she was about to smear her face when Lady Feng pleaded my dear child don't let me off this time low that girl Yuan laughed who poor wishes to smear her and that Hasi Ping still spares her look here she has scarcely had two crabs and she has drunk a whole saucer full of vinegar Ping'er was holding a crab full of yellow meat which she was in the act of cleaning as soon therefore as she heard this taunt she came crab in hand to spatter Hu Po's face as she laughingly revitalized her I'll take your mix with that controlling tongue of yours she cried but Hu Po while also indulging in laughter drew a side so Ping'er beat the air and fell forward dobbing by a strange coincidence the cheek of Lady Feng Lady Feng was at the moment having a little good humored railery with Yuan Yang and was taken so much off her guard that she was quite startled out of her senses ayah! she ejaculated the bystanders found it difficult to keep their continence and with one voice they exploded into a boisterous fit of laughter Lady Feng as well could not help feeling amused and smilingly she upgraded her you stupid wench! she said have you by gorging lost your eyesight and you recklessly smudged your mistress' face Ping'er hastily crossed over and wiped her face for her and then went in person to fetch some water Amitabha ejaculated Yuan Yang this is a distinct retribution Dowager Lady Jia though seated on the other side overheard their shouts and she consecutively made inquiries as to what they had seen to tickle their fancy so tell us! she urged what it is so that we too should have a laugh Our Lady Sikanda Yuan Yang and the other maids forthwith laughingly cried came to steal our crabs and eat them and Ping'er got angry and dopped her mistress' face all over with yellow meat so our mistress and that slave girl are now having a scuffle over it this report filled Dowager Lady Jia Madam Wang and the other inmates with them with much merriment do have pity on her Dowager Lady Jia laughed and let her have some of those small legs and entrails to eat and have done! Yuan Yang and her companions assented much amused Miss Just Sikanda they shouted in a loud tone of voice you're at liberty to eat this whole table full of legs but having washed her face clean Lady Feng approached old Lady Jia and the other guests and waited upon them for a time while they partook of refreshments Da Yu did not with her weak physique venture to overload her stomach so partaking a little meat from the claws we left the table presently however Dowager Lady Jia too abandoned all idea of having anything more to eat the company therefore quitted the banquet and when they had rinsed their hands some admired the flowers some played with the water others looked at the fish after a short straw Madam Wang turned round and remarked to old Lady Jia there's plenty of wind here besides you've just had crabs so it would be prudent for you venerable senior to return Homer rest and if you feel in the humor we can come again for a turn tomorrow quite true Accreacist Dowager Lady Jia in reply to this suggestion I was afraid that if I left now that you're all in exuberant spirits I might again be spiraling your fun so I didn't budge but as the idea originates from yourselves do go as you please while I retire but she said to Xiangyun don't allow your cousin Secundus, Bao Yu and your cousin Lin to have too much to eat then when Xiangyun had signified her obedience you two girls continuing she recommended Xiangyun and Bao Chai must not also have more than is good for you these things are it's true they're delicious but they're not very wholesome and if you eat in moderately of them why you'll get stomach aches both girls promised with alacrity to be careful and having escorted her beyond the confines of the garden they retraced their steps and ordered the servants to clear the remnants of the banquet and to lay out a new supply of refreshments to be kept in the center post when you are about to that big roundtable can be put in the center and the wines and eatables laid on it neither will there be any need to ceremoniously have any fixed seeds let those who may want anything to eat go up to it and take what they like and if we see their selves scattered all over the place won't it be far more convenient for us Here is excellent, Bao Chai answered. This is all very well, Xiangyuan observed. But there are others to be studied besides ourselves, issuing consequently further directions for another table to be laid and picking out some hot crabs. She asked Xi Ren, Zi Jun, Si Qi, Si Shu, Ru Hua, Ying Er, Cui Mo, and the other girls to sit together and form a party. Then having a couple of flowered rugs spread under the Olia trees on the hills, she bade the matrons on duty, the waiting-mates, and other servants to likewise make themselves comfortable and to eat and drink at their pleasure until they are wanted when they could come and answer the calls. Xiangyuan next, fetched the themes for the verses and pinned them with a needle on the wall. They're full of originality, one and all exclaimed after perusal. We fear we couldn't write anything on them. Xiangyuan then went on to explain to them the reasons that had prompted her not to determine upon any particular rhymes. Yes, quite right, put in Bao Yu. I myself don't fancy hard and fast rhymes. The Lin Da Yu, being unable to stand much wine and to take any crabs told on her own account, a servant to fetch an embroidered cushion, and seating herself in such a way as to lean against the railing, she took up a fishing rod and began the fish. Bao Tai played for a time with a trick of Olia she held in her hand. Then resting on the window seal, she plucked the petals and threw them into the water attracting the fish, which went by to rise to the surface and nibble at them. Xiangyuan, after a few moments of abstraction, urged Xi Ren and the other girls to help themselves to anything they wanted and back into the servants seated at the foot of the heel to eat to their heart's content. Tan Chun, in company with Li Wan and Xi Chun, stood meanwhile under the shade of the weeping willows and looked at the widgens and egrets. Ying Chun, on the other hand, was all alone under the shade of some trees, threading double jasmine flowers with a needle specially adapted for the purpose. Bao Yu, too, watched Dai Yu fishing for a while. At one time, he lent next to Bao Tai and cracked a few jokes with her. And at another, he drank when he noticed Xi Ren feasting on crabs with her companions, a few mouthfuls of wine to keep her company. At this, Xi Ren cleaned the meat out of the shell and gave it to him to eat. Dai Yu then put down the fishing rod and, approaching the seeds, she laid hold of a small black tankard ornamented with silver plum flowers and selected a tiny cup made of transparent stone, red like begonia, and in the shape of a banana leaf. A servant girl observed her movements and, concluding that she felt inclined to have a drink, she drew near with hurried steps to pour some wine for her. You girls had better go on eating, Dai Yu remonstrated, and let me help myself. There'll be some fun in it then. So speaking, she filled for herself a cup half full, but discovering that it was yellow wine. I've eaten only a little bit of crab, she said, and yet I feel my mouth slightly sore, so what would do for me now is a mouthful of very hot distilled spirit. Bao Yu hastened to take up her remark. There's some distilled spirit, he chimed in. Take some of that wine. He there and then shouted out to a servant, scented with acacia flowers and warm a tankard of it. When, however, it was brought, Dai Yu simply took a sip and put it down again. Bao Tai Tu then came forward and picked up a double cup, but after drinking a mouthful of it, she lay it aside and, moistening her pen, she walked up to the wall and marked off the first theme, longing for chrysanthemums, below which she appended a character, Heng. My dear cousin promptly remarked, Bao Yu, I've already got four lines of the second theme, so let me write on it. I managed, after ever so much difficulty to put a stanza together, Bao Tai smiled, and are you now in such a hurry to deprive me of it? Without so much as a word, Dai Yu took a pen and put a distinctive sign opposite the eighth, consisting of asking the chrysanthemums, and singling out in quick succession the 11th dream of chrysanthemums as well, she too affixed for herself the word Xiao below. But Bao Yu likewise got a pen and marked his choice, the 12th on the list, Seek for chrysanthemums, by the side of which he wrote the character, Jiang. Tan Trin thereupon rose to her feet. If there's no one to write on pinning the chrysanthemums, she observed, while scrutinizing the themes. Do let me have it, it has just been ruled. She continued, pointing at Bao Yu with a significant smile, that it is on no account permissible to introduce any expressions bearing reference to the inner chambers, so you'd better be on your guard. But as she spoke, she perceived Xiang Yun come forward and jointly mark the fourth and fifth, that is, facing the chrysanthemums, and putting chrysanthemums in vases, to which she, like the others, appended the word, Xiang. You too should get a style or other, Tan Trin suggested. In our home, smiled Xiang Yun. There exists it is true, at present, several halls and structures. But as I don't live in either, there'll be no fun in it, were I to borrow the name of any one of them. Our venerable senior just said, Bao Chai observed laughingly, that there was also, in your home, a water pavilion called Lining on Brasset Clouds Hall, and is it likely that it wasn't yours? But albeit it doesn't exist nowadays, you were anyhow its mistress of old. She's right, one and all exclaimed. Bao Yu therefore allowed Xiang Yun no time to make a move, but forthwith rubbed off the character Xiang for her, and substituted that of Xia, end of section 26.